Small Town In Southeast Minnesota Remains Evacuated

BLAKELEY (AP) - Evacuated residents of a flooded town in southeastern Minnesota have learned it could be as much as two weeks before they can return to their homes.

Electrical and phone service are out in Blakeley, a town of about 500 that was evacuated last week because of the rising Minnesota River. Roads and highways around the town have been washed out, damaged by mudslides and others are blocked by fallen trees. County engineer Mitch Rasmussen told residents at a town meeting Monday night that some of the roads will have to be rebuilt.

Town officials told residents a seismic monitoring device will be used to determine the stability of the ground in parts of the community.

Gov. Mark Dayton planned to meet with Scott County emergency managers and local elected officials at the Belle Plaine Fire Department Tuesday.